The semi-finals of Dancing With the Stars Season 34 left many fans in shock as Whitney Leavitt was eliminated, sparking controversy and disappointment among viewers. Some fans have even gone as far as to claim that the competition is rigged, believing Leavitt was unfairly denied the Mirrorball trophy. In the aftermath, speculation arose that even judge Carrie Ann Inaba may share in the sentiment.
In a social media post shared the day after the semi-finals, Inaba’s sentiments were cryptically captured as she and fellow judge Bruno Tonioli were seen on video with text overlay expressing a sense of dismay as the competition draws to a close. The post hinted at an underlying sense of dissatisfaction among fans and judges alike.
While some commenters tried to shift the blame onto Inaba for Leavitt’s elimination, many quickly came to her defense, pointing out that ultimately, it was the viewers’ votes that decided the fate of the contestants. Comparisons were drawn to Andy Richter’s journey on the show, where low judges’ scores were counteracted by fan support, leading him further along in the competition.
Contrary to the disappointment felt over Leavitt’s exit, Richter’s elimination was met with a sense of satisfaction by viewers, highlighting the subjective nature of the competition and the varying sentiments it elicits. However, criticism was also directed towards Derek Hough for his feedback on Inaba’s judgments during the semi-finals, with some viewers feeling he owed her an apology.
Inaba responded to comments on social media, with some users expressing their belief that Leavitt was robbed of her win due to her flawless performances throughout the season. The sentiment was echoed by Inaba herself, who liked several comments expressing similar views on the situation.
As the competition heads towards its finale, the question of who will claim the coveted Mirrorball trophy remains uncertain. With tensions running high and emotions stirred among fans, the stakes are set for an intense conclusion to Dancing With the Stars Season 34.
The season 34 finale of Dancing With the Stars is set to air on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC, with streaming available on Disney+. As the competition heats up, viewers are sure to be on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the final results.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.